Europe Pressed to Tap Strategic Jet Fuel Reserves Amid Crisis

Germany's aviation lobby, BDL, has urged Europe to release strategic jet fuel reserves as the Iran war threatens supply. They recommend suspending sustainable fuel rules and reducing CO2 cost burdens for airlines. The EU is preparing a crisis response, with oil shortages looming before the summer travel season.

As tensions continue due to the war in Iran, Germany's main aviation lobby group, BDL, has advocated for Europe to release strategic jet fuel reserves. This move aims to counteract a projected supply crunch that threatens to cripple the aviation sector.

BDL, representing German airlines and airport operators, stresses the urgency of including the aviation industry in the European Commission's crisis response program. The lobby group suggests temporarily suspending rules on sustainable jet fuel usage and reducing costs related to CO2 emissions under the EU's Emissions Trading System.

European airlines forecast impending jet fuel shortages, raising alarms over potential disruptions to travel as summer approaches. The EU intends to unveil plans to navigate the anticipated fuel scarcity and optimize refinery output, scheduled for release on April 22.

(With inputs from agencies.)